One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2012 is to read a book each week for the rest of the year. Writing about it will hopefully keep me motivated to read more! Feel free to recommend a book you love!

Khaled Hosseini in A Thousand Splendid Suns tells a heartbreaking story about two women, Miriam and Laila, living in Kabul, Afghanistan, who struggle to survive under the rule of the Taliban and the despicable treatment of their husband. They experience first-hand, the brutality and fears of war but are able to endure and overcome obstacles together through their remarkable friendship and love.

Ever since 9/11, Muslims and the Islam faith have been branded with a negative stereotype which has more than often been magnified by the media. While there are people who speak out in order to educate people of the differences between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and citizens of Afghanistan, scrutiny and collective racial discrimination is still common. After reading this book I find that I’ve been among those who have been ignorant of many things regarding this culture.

Hosseini does a wonderful job describing difficulties women undergo with each regime change over the span of some 30 years as well as showing the strength and tenacious spirit of Miriam and Laila.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is unforgettable, very powerful and had several moments where I was moved to tears. It is a book that will highlight acts of love, sacrifice and hope in the midst of the dark side of humans. There is something everyone can take away from this story and I would highly recommend it.